Section presidents, their teams and militants are unwavering; the 32nd anniversary of the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) will be celebrated accordingly despite the prevailing atmosphere in the North West and South West Regions.
The anniversary is a day for militants to rejoice and jubilate like anyone who adds one more year. It is also a time of stocktaking and planning, all built on the cardinals of maintaining the Party in power through winning elections and helping the CPDM run-government to improve on the living conditions of Cameroonians. But the feast this year is particular because of the uncertainty in the Anglophone zone germinated on the strike by teachers and lawyers and watered by extremists and manipulators. March 24th 2017 will be an occasion for the militants to demonstrate their adherence to the cause of the National President Paul Biya that Cameroon is “one and indivisible”. Grass root leaders and militants will show their valor in the face of threats from the “enemies of the state.” Back in the early days of multi-party politics in Cameroon, the radical opposition at the time intimidated militants of the CPDM and faithful ones never gave in. Now, is another chance to reaffirm their loyalty to the Party of “rigour and moralization,” born in Bamenda, headquarters of the North West where the psychosis dominates.
Besides shows of numbers and political statements, the Party officials know that 2018, the year of elections, is around the corner and the CPDM has to consolidate its position. The weaponry to win the war is votes. Section executives plan to call in the election management body to register potential voters. Moreover, it would also be an occasion to educate the militants on republican values of peace and solidarity, and build armor against secessionists and other foes of a one and indivisible Cameroon. Because the anniversary will take place in a context of a few questioning the unitary status of Cameroon all the section presidents L’Action talked to, say preparations are ongoing with emphasis laid on the mobilization facet. “Militants must come out en masse on the anniversary of the Party and nothing will stop us,” the charismatic section president of Menchum I (Wum) Chuo Cyprian Akwo confirmed. Like him, other party leaders at the sections are unbending on the celebration of the anniversary this year. If a repeat of the December 8, 2016 scenario when an instigated population hindered a CPDM rally in Bamenda during which the Party was to give its stance on the situation of the Anglophone zone, the militants need to ignore and avoid provocations in an exemplary behavior.
Jude Viban
